Eleonora Srebroski/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
American Ksenia Khavana, 33, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Thursday, August 15th, 2024 for a $52 donation to a U.S.-based charity. Russian intelligence services accused her of providing aid to the Ukrainian military.
Khavana was found guilty of “high treason” in February for a donation she made while in the U.S. She holds dual U.S.-Russian citizenship, and had returned to Russia to visit family. The Russian Security Service alleged Khavana’s donation was used to “purchase tactical medicine, equipment, weapons, and ammunition by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.” Police found evidence of the donation in January after confiscating and searching her phone.
According to the Associated Press, Khavana, a ballerina, moved to the U.S. to study at the
University of Maryland in Baltimore, and obtained U.S. citizenship after marrying an American spouse. She moved to Los Angeles after her studies and is employed at Ciel Spa at the SLS Beverly Hills.
Isabella Kortez, owner of Ciel Spa at the SLS Beverly Hills, said Khavana collected and donated funds to U.S.-based non-profit Razom for Ukraine. Razom for Ukraine provides medical supplies and disaster relief for civilians affected by the ongoing war.
White House National Security Advisor John Kirby said White House and State Department officials are ‘working to gain access to Khavana and called the sentence “vindictive cruelty.” ’
Khavana’s attorney said Khavana admitted to transferring the money, but she did not believe it was intended for anti-Russian activities. He plans to appeal the verdict.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine concerns have risen over the safety of Americans traveling to the country. The U.S. State Department renewed a travel advisory in June urging Americans traveling or residing in Russia to leave immediately.
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